GETTING TO KNOW: MICHAEL JACOBS

Crackers answers your questions on the latest episode of Latics Listen, the official Wigan Athletic podcast.

Latics Listen Episode 8 - Getting to Know You with Michael Jacobs.

Crackers on what's behind a nickname, the worst nickname in the squad and whose beard's better...

Michael Jacobs answers your questions from Twitter and Instagram.

In a different twist on our regular Getting to Know You feature from our official podcast Latics Listen, Michael Jacobs answered some of the questions posed to him by Wigan Athletic supporters on our Twitter and Instagram accounts, with some interesting results!

Listen below from 20:10 to hear from Crackers himself and be sure to subscribe via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or across your favourite listening platform!

Here's an excerpt from our catch up with Latics' number 17.

Thomas Smart on Instagram - Do you like being called Crackers?

"Yeah I don't mind it. I first started getting called it when I was in the first team at Northampton Town, but that was the only place people called me Crackers really. I went to Derby County and Wolves and it didn't stick, but as soon as I signed for Wigan, Billy Mckay was here who I played with at Northampton and everyone started calling me Crackers again.

"It's not too bad, I could have worse nicknames."

With that in mind, who's got the worst nickname in the squad?

"I'm going to go for Antonee Robinson... Jedi! When he first came in he said he wanted to be called Jedi and I was a bit like 'what's going on here?' Obviously he loved Star Wars when he was growing up... lovely lad... terrible nickname."

George Royle on Instagram - Who's got the best beard, you or Nick Powell?

"I'd probably say me. Powelly's got a good beard, but mine's a bit thicker. He grows a half decent beard, but his hair on top is going a bit thin for someone who's 24."

Alan Maloney on Twitter - What do you hope to achieve in your career?

"I've always wanted to play at the highest level. We've had that opportunity to play against the best teams in the country in the FA Cup, but as a footballer you always want to play at the highest level that you feel you can play at. I'm 26 now and I'm at an age that I want to be peaking, especially for a winger."

James Bugden on Instagram - Who did you play for as a kid?

"I came through at Northampton Town. I went through the centre of excellence there from the age of eight. I got into the youth team and then my reserve team manager was caretaker for a little while. I played a couple of games for the reserves and managed to work my way into the first team. I spent a good chunk of my life at that football club and they gave me the opportunity to play, it's a club I'll never forget."

Alex Jacobs on Instagram - Who is your favourite player of all time?

"I liked Steven Gerrard because I was a Liverpool fan growing up. I didn't want to replicate him on the pitch in terms of playing style, but I loved his desire and he went on to achieve a lot throughout his career. It would have to be Zinedine Zidane for me, he was the best in the world at the time. When you watch his clips on YouTube, he's right up there with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for me."

Travis Regner on Instagram - Would you ever consider playing in the MLS?

"One of my old team mates Jack Price is out there playing for Colorado. Because I know a few players out there and you see players like Ibrahimovic on TV it widens you view on it all. I was speaking to Jack and he was really impressed by the standard.

"A lot of clubs have invested in stadiums, training ground and bringing in young players from neighbouring countries like Mexico.

"I really enjoy playing in England because I like the way we play here, the tempo and the excitement, but I'd never rule out going to America later on in my career."